(The Center Square) – Inflation and cost-of-living are top concerns among Tennesseans, a new poll released Thursday shows.
However, the state’s economy received a more positive outlook among voters compared to the rest of the country.
The results come from Vanderbilt’s Statewide Poll, which asked 1,046 registered voters in Tennessee their thoughts on elected officials, hot button issues, and whether Tennessee is on the right track.
Sixty-one percent of voters said the state’s economy was “very” or “fairly good” compared to only 41% rating the U.S. economy similarly.
Despite optimism toward the state’s economy, 87% of respondents said their daily cost of living was “very” or “somewhat” expensive and 67% said they worry about being able to cover medical emergencies or car repairs.
“Plain and simple, people are worried about paying their bills, perhaps more than anything else,” said Josh Clinton, co-director of the Vanderbilt Poll. “Certainly, there is a portion of the population that is thriving, but for the average person trying to make their way in the world, it’s rough, and we see that in the data.”
These concerns to cover emergencies or the ability to save for retirement and education have doubled since President Donald Trump took office for his second term, the poll found.
“Inflation is a serious concern for Tennesseans across the state, even among MAGA Republicans,” said John Geer, co-director of the Vanderbilt Poll. “While Trump continues to have support in the state, the worries about the cost of living are growing. And as we saw in the recent special election in the 7th congressional district, people are expressing their concerns by being much more willing to vote for a Democrat than just a year ago.”
On issues like autism, 41% of voters said they know someone with autism who needs regular or daily support. While autism was highlighted as an important issue, respondents were split on possible causes.
Twenty-one percent “agree” or “somewhat agree” that childhood vaccines cause autism. Sixteen percent believe mothers taking Tylenol while pregnant can cause autism.
Of the 21% that agreed vaccines cause autism, only 5% were Democrats, 22% were Independent, and 30% were Republicans, highlighting the difference in opinions across party lines, the poll showed.
In general, 80% of Democrats said they would take a recommended vaccine while 41% of Independents said they would. Only 28% of Republicans agreed they would take a recommended vaccine.
As for educational pillars, Tennesseans showed strong support for core subjects like math, science, and critical thinking over emerging technology and artificial intelligence.
Eighty-four percent said math and science were “very important” and 81% said critical thinking was “very important.” Additionally, 74% ranked history, civics, career and technical education as critical, the poll showed. Sixty-six percent called computer science, data science, AI and technology “very important.”
